What is a Master of Science in Information Technology Degree?

Very few areas of modern life are not touched in some way by information technology (IT). IT is important to fields as diverse as healthcare and banking; it is the engine that drives both personal and business communication. In order to keep the world’s IT infrastructure running, IT professionals with advanced qualifications are needed. The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree is one such advanced qualification.

What MSIT Graduates Will Do

MSIT graduates will handle tasks like developing software as well as the security and maintenance of networks. There are numerous sectors within the IT industry, ranging from the development of apps for mobile devices to the design of computer systems. This offers those with a MSIT degree a variety of career paths from which to choose; it also ensures that there is a high demand for qualified individuals.

Jobs That Require a MSIT Degree:

IT Consultant

This job involves evaluating systems and handling issues that are beyond the abilities of everyone else. An IT consultant can be hired in almost any industry as all businesses are looking for ways to make their systems more efficient.

Computer Forensic Inspector

With the rise of cybercrime, the need for individuals with the skills to search for evidence on computer systems has grown. These individuals will have to be able to search for and identify data that may be used in court.

Information Technology Manager

This job description includes the development and implementation of IT projects for an employer. It will also call for skills such as the ability to manage personnel; this is in addition to a through understanding of network infrastructure and integrated software systems.

Chief Technology Officer

These individuals handle technical planning within an organization. Their job is to seek out the best IT solutions for their employers’ needs. It is their job to develop strategies for the implementation of new technology and to help their company use technology efficiently.

Overview of MSIT Degree Courses

The core courses may include an overview of system analysis and design where students are taught to develop systems efficiently. Students may also be taught to analyze systems for usability along with concepts involved in information security. In addition to those courses, the student may also choose from a variety of electives depending on their chosen concentration. Typical concentrations include homeland security management and software engineering. The overall goal of a MSIT degree course will be to provide the student with an understanding of the principles behind applied information technology, and to train them to apply the best practices for productivity.

Outlook for MSIT Graduates

The importance of IT can be seen in the fact that the industry was largely unaffected by the 2007-2009 recession, unlike most other sectors of the economy. The demand for IT services is great and the number of high-paying IT jobs is rapidly growing as a result. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer systems design and other similar services is expected to grow at a rate of 3.9 percent in the years between 2010 and 2020. The reason is that both businesses and individuals are expected to increase their use of information technology services over that time. Use of cloud computing is also expected to increase, which means that much of the expected job growth will be in this area.

The graduate of a MSIT program will be in the perfect position to take advantage of the expected high demand for their skills. Their degree can enable them to embark on a career path that is both challenging and rewarding.